Ash Wednesday

One of the benefits of a late night at the Reg is running into Div School Ian, who works at the circulation desk in the wee hours of the evening.

A: I just wanted to say hello. I have two papers due Thursday, so I'll be here late.
I: Ah. How appropriate, in a season of penitence.
A: Yeah, sounds great, writing two papers on an empty stomach.
...
A: Okay, we're going to go get coffee.
I: Have a good evening! Enjoy life... while you can.

Final papers aside, today's first reading is my favorite of the year.

"Even now, says the LORD,
return to me with your whole heart,
with fasting, and weeping, and mourning;
Rend your hearts, not your garments,
and return to the LORD, your God.
For gracious and merciful is he,
slow to anger, rich in kindness,
and relenting in punishment.
Perhaps he will again relent
and leave behind him a blessing,
Offerings and libations
for the LORD, your God."
-Joel 2:12-14

I suppose it's pretty obvious that I'm not giving up writing disjointed blog posts. I am giving up facebook, soda, and chai, and taking on the project of revitalizing my prayer life through Evening Prayer, daily Rosary, and writing in my (private) journal.